Evaluation of direct posterior composite restorations performed in a restorative dental clinic, a retrospective study

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study is to examine the possible factors affecting the survival and failure of direct posterior composite restorations performed at the Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University. Materials and Method: The study included 856 direct posterior composite restorations performed on 250 patients between February and May 2023. The restorations were evaluated by two experienced researchers between February and May 2025 according to FDI criteria. Additionally, data regarding participants' socio-demographic characteristics and oral hygiene habits, as well as data related to restoration, were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests (α = 0.05). Results: As a result of a 2 year retrospective evaluation, 23 (2.69%) restorations were found to be clinically unsuccessful in terms of retention loss and fracture. Tooth type (p = 0.025) and cavity class (p = 0.034) statistically affected the clinical success of composite restorations in terms of retention loss and fracture. No significant difference was observed between different caries risk groups and operator in terms of clinically successful and unsuccessful scores (p> 0.05). Conclusion: In this retrospective study, it was determined that the two-year survival rate of direct posterior composite restorations was high, and that tooth type and cavity class significantly affected restoration success. Key words: Composite resin, Direct restoration, Longevity, Retrospective study, Success, Survival